“May he reign for eternity!” everyone said in unison.
“He has decided to fill the empty council seats, beginning with the Seventh, once occupied by the Seer Ivy Nolan.” Her words sent everyone into whispered disputes.
“Order in this chamber!” Joffrey commanded, his voice carrying across the large room.
An uneasy silence fell over the crowd and Lady Marianna nodded her thanks to him. “The selection for the new members will be decided within the next two weeks,” she continued. “Every Immortal over a thousand years will be considered. Once we select the new member, he or she will choose ten younglings under four hundred years of age to leave their current House and become the new members of the Seventh.”
The room erupted in intense arguments. Alayna clutched Justine tightly, who tried to reassure her lover. But even from my perch I could see Alayna didn’t believe her.
“Order!” Lord Joffrey yelled, but it was no use. Finally, the council stood and left. Security moved in to contain the situation, as the ballroom now echoed with violent verbal and physical confrontations.
The news overshadowed everything else, including my very public nudity scene. On one hand, I was elated, as I could return to Alexis sooner than I had thought. But, on the other hand, I was worried for Alayna and Justine. If one was chosen and the other was not, it would separate them, possibly permanently. I went looking and found Justine holding Alayna as she trembled in the courtyard.
“Jade,” Justine greeted me somberly.
Alayna turned to acknowledge me. “What are we going to do, Jade?”
She always expected the worst and unfortunately, she was nearly always right.
I knelt beside them. “I wouldn't worry about it, Alayna. The council has not even decided on who the new member will be,” I said and rested a kind hand onto her shoulder. “Besides, the older Immortals will probably choose from their own House or younglings with special skills.”
“But what if they choose one of us? I can't live without Justine,” she said, hysterical.
I frowned. “If one of you is chosen without the other, I will speak with the new member and try to convince them to take both or neither of you.”
I knew I had little sway when it came to the council, but perhaps the new member would be different. Perhaps I could acquire them something, or a future favor would appeal to him or her.
“Promise?” Alayna pleaded.
“I swear,” I said, crossing my heart and kissing my fingers.
She hugged me tightly and I returned the embrace.
The prince's decision to fill the empty council seats and rebuild the lost Houses sent waves through the manor. Discussions quickly led to arguments that usually ended in physical confrontations. Nearly every Immortal over a thousand wanted a seat and the young ones were on edge, like Alayna and Justine. They did not want to be separated from their Houses, as distance and obligations would mean the inability to see and interact with their friends and loved ones on a daily basis. The only good that could possibly come from this was having a progressive member on the council. This meant old laws could be changed, even done away with altogether.
Houses who had started the week on friendly terms did not even speak to each other now. I avoided the subject like the Black Death. But, despite my avoidance I found myself ending more brawls over it than staffing the outer perimeter.
Finally, I had to get away so I walked the eastern balcony. It was close enough to the Prince's chambers that the others kept away.
“It's a beautiful night,” a deep male voice said behind me.
I turned to face Prince Arron, who stood seven foot, two inches tall. His navy blue suit hung off his emaciated frame. A simple gold crown sat on his head, his long white hair pulled back into a ponytail. Nearly invisible eyelashes framed his black, lifeless eyes, and his pale blue lips were a sharp contrast to his porcelain skin. He resembled a walking corpse more than an esteemed immortal prince.
“My king,” I said, bowing quickly, focusing on the wooden deck beneath me.
“Jaden, the one Ivy gifted her swords to,” he said, unmoving.
I straightened. “Yes, Your Majesty,” I replied, still not looking at him.
“May I see one?” he asked, stretching out a boney hand.
I felt cold waves of power emanating from his body. I wanted to move away from him but in the same instant I wanted to be closer. I met his stare and instantly regretted it. The cold black depths of his eyes sent a wintry shiver through me.
“Of course, my king,” I said, unfastening one of the swords and handing it to him.
Prince Arron took it and turned it in his hands, exploring the fine craftsmanship and details. “It's a rare medical condition,” he explained.
“Majesty?” I asked, confused.
“My eyes are black because I was born with no irises,” he said, still feeling the weapon with his hands.
I watched him closely. “You're blind.”
He laughed. “Yes, but I hear just fine.”
I flinched; his laugh was chilling and powerful.
“How did you know it was me standing here?” I asked, unnerved.
“I know every Immortal ever created. Each has a different scent, walk, and stance. You smell of vanilla, jasmine, and human—a female human. You walk like a commander but stand as if you intend to run.”
“Oh,” I said, thinking of Alexis and Annora.
“I heard you run through the mansion naked,” he said with a grin as he stepped back.
Prince Arron unsheathed the weapon and swung it in complex, practiced movements.
“Yes, Majesty.”
“And I've heard several stories about you running naked, here and there. Nothing to be ashamed about,” he chuckled. “I have run from some forward girls in my time. Twice in nothing but my loincloth.” He sheathed the sword.
“You?”
“Oh, yes. You wouldn't believe what women will do to snare a prince—even a blind one,” he said, smiling.
“I can imagine.”
“Why do you call me your king?” he asked, returning his sightless gaze to me.
“Because you are,” I said simply.
He stared at me, his stare piercing. “Then will you come to my aid, obey my commands and enforce my law? Will you be my vassal?” he asked.
If he had asked me this in my youth, I would have dropped to my knees, swearing my undying fealty to him without a second thought. I swallowed hard.
He was a hero in stories told around the bonfires during my years as a youngling. Stories about a courageous prince whose wife was murdered by his father so he took up arms against his own family. He was exiled for his treason. Later, he returned to claim victory of the city, but refused the crown. It was his story that made me join the Immortal Military.
If I swear myself to him, he could call upon me day or night to fulfill my promise. And I must be willing to give up everything to keep to it. Above even Ivy, whose very ground I had worshiped—Prince Arron is my hero.
“I will follow you for as long you lead well, my king,” I said, bowing deeply.
“You speak wisely and trust that I will remember your words,” Prince Arron replied.
He balanced the sword perfectly on the tip of his finger. “It's a well-crafted yet frightening work of art that should be respected,” he said, and then handed it back to me.
I took the weapon and refastened it to my belt.
“I was surprised to find someone walking this balcony. Everyone else avoids this end of the mansion. Out of fear of me, I suspect. So it leads me to speculate, do you not fear me?” Prince Arron asked.
“I have very little fear left in me, my king. And what I do possess is not wasted on you.” I turned to look out into the night.
“Really? Then tell me, child, what is it you fear?” he asked, moving to stand beside me.
Being so close to him was like standing in powerful, frozen waves. “I fear losing the love I've found. Love deeper a
nd stronger than anything I have known, but new and fragile. I fear never holding her or feeling her kiss again. I also fear myself, giving into lust and desire because the beast demands it of me.” My mind's eyes focused on Alexis's distant face.
“You speak of a human and an Immortal, fighting for your affection,” he said, turning to look up at the moon.
“Yes.” I looked down at my hands as they gripped the metal railing.
Prince Arron rested his hand on my shoulder and I flinched as cold, raw power coursed through me. “Listen, I will share with you a small piece of wisdom, which my loving, beautiful wife shared with me,” He said, sadness in his voice. I met his black eyes. “Our lives are not measured in the amount of years we have lived, but who we have loved along the way, and those who have loved us,” he said.
“Majesty?” I asked, frowning.
“To live for eternity isn't easy. The question you should ask yourself is not who do you love, but who has loved you. Would your sacrifice be reciprocated?”
Prince Arron left me then, a sad, distant look on his porcelain face.
I stood alone, his questions answering themselves in a radiating truth. Annora had spoken soft words of love and conviction into my mortal ears but in the end, she abandoned me. I knew her likes and dislikes, but also her lies. I had tasted her sweet wine and felt the painful sting of her lash. Moreover, I knew to expect more of the same if I returned to her bed. Cold shivers trailed my spine at the old memories, both painful and pleasurable.
Alexis's love was new and exciting, with so many unanswered questions lingering between us. She was human, innocent and trusting. Her kisses were sweet nectar and lying with her was like riding gentle, fiery waves of desire and passion, which left a longing for more within me. I did not know what would happen between us. I only knew what I wanted to happen, for her to accept my way of life and join with me for all eternity. I smiled at this simple, beautiful truth. After being with Alexis, I could not go back to pain and mistrust. I closed my eyes and smiled as my heart and mind finally chose. I took the prince's advice, etching his words into my frozen heart as I returned once again to the perimeter.
Annora stood by the tree, watching me approach.
“What do you want?” I asked.
“You know what I want, but I came here to give you a charged battery for your walkie,” she said, handing it to me.
“Thanks,” I replied as I took it.
“Yeah.” She turned to leave.
“Did you ever love me or was I always just property to you?” I asked, the question which had lingered within me for some time. Part of me did not want to know, but I knew I needed to.
She froze, sighed, and looked at me. “I could never love you—not the way you want. You belong to me,” she said, crossing to stand inches from me.
Pain moved through me as the truth I already knew pierced my heart. “Belonged,” I corrected. “I'm not your slave any longer.”
Annora grabbed my wrist, squeezing hard. “You will always belong to me,” she said harshly.
I gritted my teeth against the pain. “Not any longer,” I exclaimed, pulling my wrist from her iron grasp.
“I'm free of you, Annora. After this summit, you and I are through.” I turned my back to her.
Annora grabbed my arm and shoved me into the tree. “You will never be free of me. I'm part of you and I always will be.”
I shoved her away. “My life is my own now and you can no longer hurt me.”
“Fine, have your little fantasy, but trust me, Elysian. You will come back to me, one way or another,” Annora said, her words a clear warning as she walked away.
I gathered up every ounce of hurt and yelled after her, “Jaden… My name is Jaden!”
Her laughter echoed in my mind long after she disappeared into the night.
Twenty-Two
annora had taken her time returning to her bedchambers. The sudden downpour caught her by surprise, soaking her to the bone. She used the window to slip into her room, not wanting to anyone to see her in such a state.
She slipped into the shower, the hot water cascading down her tense body and pondered many things as the water slowly eased the tension. She did think humans had some uses, like inventing new technology. And they made perfect servants. However, she truly believed only useful humans should be turned. Some humans were of no use to anyone, not even their own race.
Annora believed the council should be more selective in potentials. Immortality was a gift and they only weakened themselves by turning useless and incompetent humans. Jaden was strong, loyal, and defiant. She had uses. Alexis, on the other hand, was useless. She was a homeless beggar feeding off other's hard work and good fortune.
As soon as she rid the world of her, it would be a much brighter place for the rest of them. Annora's phone vibrated as she stepped from the shower. She walked past the towel and grabbed it off the bedside table.
“Tell me you found something, Wesley,” Annora said, anxious to get rid of the human.
“I believe I have. I'm sending you a picture given to the police by a Mr. Tanner,” Wesley replied.
The picture loaded on her cell. Annora's perfect lips formed a cold smile when she saw Alexis's unmistakable emerald eyes.
“It's her. Give me the father's number. I'm sure he's dying to be reunited his sweet little girl.”
Wesley relayed the information to her.
“You do good work, Wesley,” she said, satisfied.
“Thank you, my lady.”
Annora hung up and pressed the number into her cell. It rang several times.
“What?” A drunken Mr. Tanner yelled into the phone.
Annora could hear recorded voices talking in the background.
“Tell me you like it!” the recorded man commanded.
The child whimpered and sobbed painfully, “I like it, Daddy.”
“Is this Mr. Tanner?” Annora asked, frowning in disgust.
“What you want?” Mr. Tanner asked, slurring his words.
The child was now crying loudly behind him on the TV.
“I believe I have located your daughter,” Annora replied.
Mr. Tanner laughed. “Why should I care? That lying whore ran off. The bitch is your problem now.”
Annora frowned; the man was obviously a crazy child-molesting bastard. She figured the child crying on the still playing videotape was Alexis. This disgusting human must have videotaped his time with her.
She scowled. “I don't have your daughter, Mr. Tanner. However, I do have a very reliable source who told me she is living in a nice little apartment in L.A. Apparently, she has a rich sugar daddy paying for all her expenses. He even gives her large sums of cash.”
The child on the video was still crying. “What? The bitch gets to live it up while I'm barely scraping by?” he roared and Annora could hear an empty bottle break against a wall.
“I thought I should inform you of her activities,” Annora replied.
“You tell me where the bitch it staying,” he demanded.
Annora hesitated; there was no doubt Mr. Tanner was a sick man. If she told him where Alexis was, she was sure he would kill her, or worse. However, Alexis was standing between her and Elysian. Annora despised most humans—especially those like Mr. Tanner.
Nevertheless, she could not let a human child keep her from her property.
“Well?” Mr. Tanner shouted.
Annora relayed the information to the deranged, drunken human. This was, after all, Elysian's fault. She should not have involved a human in the affairs of Immortals. Annora would teach her a hard lesson by eliminating Alexis, and Mr. Tanner would be her weapon. Elysian would never suspect her involvement and the human whore would be dead. Besides, in a few centuries, Elysian would not even remember the human and would return to her. Annora smiled; Elysian belonged to her and always would.
Twenty-Three
it was nearing sunset at the mansion when I began feeling uneasy and restless. It was th
e same feeling I got when I was gearing up just before a battle or dangerous mission. I rubbed my neck and adjusted my weapons. Something felt wrong or out of place but I couldn't put my finger on exactly what it was.
I removed my walkie from my belt. “Max?”
“Go ahead,” he replied.
“Anything happening on your end?” I asked, heading for my post.
“No, everything is quiet.”
“Keep your guard up,” I said, feeling antsy.
“Something up?” he asked.
“Possibly.”
“Possibly?” James's worried voice erupted from the walkie.
“I don't know, something feels wrong. Just stay alert on your end and keep your eyes open for anything out of place,” I said, sniffing the air.
“I'll inform them,” Max replied.
“Simon? I want you to do the same, understand?” I ordered.
“You've got to be kidding. I'm not putting my men on high alert because you have a bad feeling!”
“Do what you're told, Simon!” I heard Annora order in the background.
“We aren't fucking around, we have to protect the council,” Max added.
“Roger,” Simon replied.
I took my post halfway between Nathaniel and Zachary after doing a quick sweep. Turning, I stared at the fence. Something was wrong. Where was the soft buzz of electricity? I looked beyond the fence; it was dark.
I sniffed the foggy air then grimaced as sudden pain flowed through my left side. Looking down, I hissed as blood quickly flowed through a wound in my side, staining my white tunic.
“We're under attack. Repeat, under attack!” I yelled into the walkie.
Something hit my chest hard. I dropped to the ground, pain blurring my vision. Voices and shadowed figures moved in the darkness. I counted over a dozen shadows as I came in and out of consciousness.
Jaden's Heart Page 18
